The Ford Focus was a head-turner when it was first introduced in 2000. Its styling at the time was fresh and innovative. While Ford designers describe its new look as more refined and grown-up, it continues with same general theme of sweeping arcs and crisp creases that we've grown accustomed to. It takes a sharp eye to distinguish the subtle changes from the old one to the new one, however.

Designers say they styled the front to have hints of the Ford Five Hundred, the company's upcoming flagship sedan. Its hood and fenders fall away less sharply than the original to make the car look more substantial and to create a better sight line of the edge of the car for easier parking.

The most noticeable change is the larger grille with the diamond pattern ringed in chrome. Other new details include reshaped headlamps with clear lenses and a new fascia that incorporates a wide lower air intake, and new round fog lamps. The sedan has new taillamps and rear bumper fascia. All Focus models have a hood made of harder steel and fascias made of thicker plastics to ward off dents and dings.

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